It_dont_mean_a_thing_if_it_aint_got_that_swing -

: Historian Gunther Schuller called the piece "prophetic," as it predicted the massive popularity of swing music later in the decade. Legacy and Notable Covers

The original recording featured the distinctive vocals of , marking her first appearance with the Ellington Orchestra. Notable instrumental solos were performed by trombonist Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton and alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges . Key musical elements that made it a hit include: it_dont_mean_a_thing_if_it_aint_got_that_swing

Inducted into the in 2008, the song remains one of the most recorded works in jazz history. Beyond Ellington's own numerous re-recordings, legendary versions exist by: : Historian Gunther Schuller called the piece "prophetic,"